Departments

Working to be the most livable city in the country means placing a high priority on providing excellent customer service. In all 12 municipal departments, our goal is to be responsive, transparent, and accountable.
– Mayor David Bieter

Boise Police Department
News Release

Homicide - Fight in Park turns Fatal

04-15-10 Homicide - Fight in Park turns Fatal

Boise, April 15, 2010 - Boise Police are
investigating a homicide that occurred this afternoon after a
reported fight between two men on the west end of Ann Morrison
Park. The men involved are both believed to be transients.

Officers were called to the area by a
witness who called police dispatch reporting a fight between two
men involving a weapon, possibly a knife, at 2:33 p.m.
this afternoon. When officers arrived they found a man with what
appeared to be serious injuries. The victim, a man in his 40's or
50's was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, but has
been pronounced dead apparently as a result of those
injuries.

Boise Police detectives are now working
with the Ada County Coroner. An autopsy on the victim is scheduled
for tomorrow. The coroner will release the victim's name following
every attempt to reach family.

Detectives have arrested a suspect and charged
him with murder.

Arrest: John Leyland
Walters, 51, transient

Charged: Murder

The crime remains under investigation.

Park Safety: Boise Police bike
officers patrol Ann Morrison park frequently, often riding through
the park several times a day. Although drinking alcohol is
allowed in Ann Morrison Park outside the 250-foot river boundary,
officers say problems are typically minor, like glass bottles,
littering and urinating in public. Officers who patrol the area
frequently say violence in the park is extremely rare.